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International Programs Department

International Programs at U.S. Naval War College (NWC) directly support the development of robust global maritime partnerships. We emphasize the “Newport Connection” to enhance trust and confidence and also promote cooperation among partner nations. World events confirm the value of developing and maintaining such friendships.

About International Programs

Admiral Arleigh A. Burke, who provided the vision for International Programs in 1956, was clearly a visionary in his understanding of the value of maritime engagement. The global security environment presents an increasingly complex set of challenges and opportunities.

Each year we bring 100 to 150 foreign officers to the U.S. from around the world. They study strategy, warfare, decision making, and operational art. Equally important, they learn how the United States works as a country through the field studies program. Each officer is greatly influenced by what they see and learn in the United States while forming strong and lasting bonds with their U.S. and international classmates.

After graduation, NWC continues to strengthen friendship and cooperation by sponsoring periodic alumni regional symposia to further promote multilateral relationships, cooperation, and exchange of ideas and to give Navy regional commanders a unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with these distinguished military leaders.

International Courses at NWC

In the Naval Command College (NCC), senior international officers pursue eleven months of graduate-level study in residence. Annually, the U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations personally invites his counterparts in selected countries to nominate students for the NCC. The NCC program has five major pillars: orientation, the core curriculum, electives, the Field Studies Program (DOC), and the cultural exchange. International students are fully integrated with their U.S. counterparts in the College of Naval Warfare (CNW).

Since its inception in 1972, over 2300 naval officers representing 134 countries have graduated from the Naval Staff College. Bringing together a group of distinguished international officers from diverse cultures and ideologies who share maritime traditions, experiences, and challenges invariably leads to a unique and long lasting camaraderie among students, staff, and faculty. The Naval Staff College is a graduate-level curriculum that emphasizes naval planning and decision making, with particular attention to broadening the officers’ understanding of the importance and role of sea power in international affairs.

The International Maritime Staff Operator Course (I-MSOC) is a 12-week course jointly designed by Naval War College International Programs and the College of Operational and Strategic Leadership, to provide international naval officers the skills needed to support the planning and execution of maritime operations and integrate with existing operational planning teams.

The IMSO is your gateway to the NWC experience. They will ensure that you are checked into the program, thoroughly briefed on local services, housing and all of the many concerns you will have about getting you and your family settled for your time in Newport. Please see the Student Guide (PDF) for detailed information about your time at the college.

The IMSO manages our sponsor program. An important and integral part of the NWC experience, our sponsors play an invaluable role for our arriving students, assisting with getting settled, adjusting to a new and foreign country and helping with the myriad details for setting up a household. They also provide a level of exposure to American life and culture that complements the official academic and social program for the course.

If you are interested in becoming an international sponsor, please contact the IMSO office. We will be happy to provide details about the program and our current needs.

International Seapower Symposium

The International Sea Power Symposium (ISS) is co-hosted by the Chief of Naval Operations and the President, U.S. Naval War College. It occurs in every second year. Attendees include the chiefs of the navies and coast guards from nations around the globe.

Academic Support & Resources

Featured Faculty

Professor Mangold was educated at Harvard University (BA, MPA), and commissioned through Officer Candidate School. Most of his thirty-year naval career was spent at sea as a Surface Warfare Officer, serving onboard various small combatants, ultimately commanding USS RODNEY M. DAVIS (FFG-60). Ashore, he worked in a wide variety of staff billets in the Pentagon, and served as Naval Attaché to the People’s Republic of China. Professor Mangold retired from active duty at the rank of Captain in April 2012.

Professor and Distinguished International Fellow | International Programs

Adm. Barrera was Commander of the Colombian Navy (CNO) from 2006-2010 and a 40-year veteran of the Colombian Navy. Under the leadership of President Álvaro Uribe, he was part of the team that changed Colombia from the brink of failure to stability and prosperity. During his military career, he received 64 awards and decorations, including the highest Military decoration Order of Boyacá, the Order of Democracy of the Colombian Senate, and the U.S. Legion of Merit. Upon retirement in 2011, he returned to the U. S. Naval War College - where he graduated in 1993 to be the first CNO Distinguished International Fellow. Today Adm. Barrera is Professor and Distinguished International Fellow.